Design for phones & tablets

Android's system UI provides the framework on top of which you build your app,
whether you're designing for phones, tablets, watches, or other form factors.
Aspects of UI that are especially important for phones and tablets include
the Home screen experience, global device navigation, and notifications.

This page introduces these essential UI elements for phones and tablets with links
for more information. If you'd like to see the complete designer guide, visit the
material design guidelines.

Home, All Apps, and Recents

Home screen

Home is a customizable space that houses app shortcuts, folders and widgets.

Recents screen

System bars

The system bars are screen areas dedicated to the display of notifications, communication of
device status, and device navigation. Typically the system bars are displayed concurrently with your
app. Apps that display immersive content, such as movies or images, can temporarily hide the system
bars to allow the user to enjoy full screen content without distraction.

Status Bar

Displays app notifications and system status information.

Navigation Bar

Notifications

Notifications are brief messages that users can access at any time from the status bar. They
provide updates, reminders, or information that's important. Touching a
notification opens the associated app.